The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) reports that it has released an in-depth report entitled Labour Market Differentials in the Caribbean: Gender, Age, Indigeneity.
A press release from the Bank states that this comprehensive analysis highlights enduring and systemic inequalities impacting women, youth, indigenous communities, and individuals with disabilities within the region’s labor markets. The report underscores the need for prompt, inclusive policy reforms aimed at breaking down long-standing structural barriers and promoting fair, inclusive economic development.
Christine Dawson, Acting Director of Economics at CDB, stressed the significance of tackling these challenges to realize the region’s full development potential. “The Caribbean has a tremendous opportunity to redefine our workforce paradigms as economies rebound from the pandemic and other structural shocks.
“We must act decisively to level the playing field and unlock the full potential of all contributors to the labour force. Policymakers must, in light of this report, deliberately examine and seek to dismantle the systemic barriers facing the region’s vulnerable groups,” she added.
The research investigates several vital aspects of labor market inequality, including:
– The economic contribution of unpaid caregiving—mainly performed by women—which is often omitted from conventional employment data, resulting in persistent undervaluation;
– Gender gaps, where women, despite attaining higher educational levels, face lower employment rates and are underrepresented in higher-paying sectors;
– The decreasing engagement of men in educational and employment activities;
– The combined issues of aging populations and elevated youth unemployment across the Caribbean;
– The additional hurdles encountered by indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities in securing equitable employment opportunities.
L. O’Reilly Lewis, Acting Director of the Projects Department at CDB, reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to fostering inclusive growth throughout the Caribbean.
“We’re taking a leadership role in driving positive change. The gaps identified in the report highlight a need for inclusive labor policies, targeted education and training initiatives, and data-informed decision-making. This study acts as a rallying call for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to confront entrenched inequalities and work toward a more inclusive and fair Caribbean labor market,” he remarked.
The Bank continues to encourage all relevant parties—including governments, civil society organizations, private enterprises, and development partners—to consider the insights from this study and collaborate on developing and executing strategies that enhance equity and resilience within the Caribbean workforce.
The full report can be accessed at: Labour Market Differentials in the Caribbean: Gender, Age, Indigeneity.
As a proud Dominican Stay-at-Home Mom I can say that the first battle for Women is Motherhood, childcare and house management. Stop breaking up homes and families with these satanic policies!
“Gender gaps, where women, despite attaining higher educational levels, face lower employment rates and are underrepresented in higher-paying sectors;”
What a load of crap. Women hold positions EVERYWHERE – finance, education, hospitality, health, management etc. The problem is that the highly paid jobs require high skill or intensive phsyical labour such as engineering, information technology, construction etc. Women are just generally not cut out for those jobs and no amount of progressive policy will change that.
Stop wasting time and money trying to change biological facts